Daniel Farke has challenged Dominic Calvert-Lewin to become a true “Leeds United hero” by maintaining his goalscoring form for the rest of the season.
Daniel Farke has challenged Dominic Calvert-Lewin to become a true “Leeds United hero” by maintaining his goalscoring form for the rest of the season.
Calvert-Lewin fired a first-half double to make it six goals in his last five games as Leeds put away-day specialists Crystal Palace to the sword in an impressive 4-1 win at Elland Road to climb six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Skipper Ethan Ampadu added Leeds’ third in the second half – his first league goal for the club – and after Palace substitute Justin Devenny’s stoppage-time penalty, Anton Stach’s free-kick rubber-stamped an impressive display for Farke’s side who made it four games unbeaten.
Calvert-Lewin, a free summer signing from Everton, has now scored in five straight Premier League games for the first time since October 2020 and notched a top-flight double for the first time since November of the same year.
Farke said: “Right now he’s on the on a path to be a top-class player for Leeds United and also a Leeds United hero.
“But you know my attitude – I don’t like to speak about quality and top-class players just after a few weeks or a good couple couple of months.
“You have to show this with consistency over the whole season. But if he keeps going in this way and keeps delivering, then we would speak about an outstanding season.
“I want him to keep going, not to be happy with a good couple of months and a good few weeks, so he has to continue.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores for the fifth Premier League game in a row for Leeds! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QEqbwFh7TR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Leeds appeared to be in freefall after four straight defeats in November, but followed up victory over Chelsea and draws against Liverpool and Brentford with another crucial three points.
“Compliments to the boys. An amazing win,” Farke added. “To win the game in this manner, of course an important three points. It’s a great night and a big win for us.”
Ethan Ampadu pounces and Leeds have a third! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/A474qAO9M3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Palace arrived at Elland Road with the best away record in the top flight this season, but head coach Oliver Glasner said his side’s set-piece defending was “embarrassing” and admitted they were a clear second-best.
“Every single set-play was dangerous,” he said. “I can’t remember one big chance from open play, to be honest, but every single set-piece – we could have conceded two or three more from set-plays. It is embarrassing. It’s how I feel.”
Palace slipped from fifth to eighth in the table after their fifth league defeat – and their heaviest – of the season.
Glasner added: “We struggled winning duels, losing so many balls and not creating enough situations, and if the opposition plays two main strikers, then you have to win your duel.
“I always start with myself and I think the preparation was not good enough.
“Maybe I talk too much about tactics and not enough about the basics, because in the basics, Leeds were so much better.”
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Leeds United’s victory over Crystal Palace to an end. Thanks for joining us!
Farke: ‘We’re happy with Calvert-Lewin - but he must keep going’
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke speaking to Sky Sports: “We have played the best away team in the league. I was always nervous until the last second. It’s football, sometimes strange things happen. Crystal palace are so difficult to play against but in the end it was so, so enjoyable for us.
“Sometimes you need a bit of luck but we know set-pieces are also a strength of ours. We missed a few chances so I would perhaps want a few more, and the clean sheet would have been nice.
“I’m not married to base formations. It is important that you are flexible, bring your principles to the pitch, and adapt to the strengths of your opponent. We have scored many goals in recent weeks and we want to continue in this way.”
On striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin: “I have made my feelings clear that he is one of the best English strikers in this league. Quality players have to show consistency and play an outstanding season. The season is not finished, he wants to score many more goals. We are all happy we have him with us but he has to keep going.”
‘Belief in myself never changed’, says Calvert-Lewin
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin speaking to Sky Sports: “It was a solid home performance. We were direct with the way that we played and kept the ball in good moments.
“In the six yard box is where I need to be. When you’re in a good moment the ball starts dropping for you and that’s where I’m at.
“The belief stays the same. The belief I have in myself hasn’t changed. I want to give my best for the team and continue playing well.
“I enjoy having bodies around me. It can be a lonely role up there on your own. With bodies around you, you can link play and I think that’s why I’ve had success recently.”
On whether he is targeting an England call-up: “I don’t get carried away. My job remains the same whether I’m scoring or not scoring. I work hard, lead the line for my team and the rest takes care of itself.
“It’s a big result for us. We didn’t want to undo our good work over recent weeks. We’re taking it game by game and focusing on what we control.”
‘Honestly, it’s embarrassing’ - Glasner on his side defending set-pieces
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner speaking to Sky Sports: “Very disappointing performance today. Couldn’t defend set plays, honestly it’s embarrassing. Couldn’t match their physicality today. Today is the first game [this season] we fully deserved to lose.
“In three days we have a chance at the Emirates, against the team that is the best maybe at set plays to do it better.
“They played man-to-man and we lost every single duel. We won one duel and we get the penalty. When you lose all the duels, it’s the basics, we didn’t show the basics. We thought we could pass the ball but we had no chance in the duels and then you lose every single game.”
On whether the volume of fixtures is having an impact: “No.”
Watch: Stach’s sublime set-piece
Anton Stach curls in a free-kick in stoppage-time! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/aqVCwgYtA6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Up next
Leeds return to action next Sunday, making the trip to fellow promoted side Sunderland in the league.
Palace, meanwhile, are away at Arsenal in the League Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday before they host Tottenham Hotspur in the league on Sunday.
Palace’s struggles after Conference League
Crystal Palace have failed to win seven of their eight Premier League games which have come directly after competing in Europe in midweek this season, drawing two and losing five.
Leeds extend unbeaten run
After losing six games in seven, Leeds United are now on a four-match unbeaten run in the Premier League:
- 3/12 - Leeds United 3 Chelsea 1
- 6/12 - Leeds United 3 Liverpool 3
- 14/12 - Brentford 1 Leeds United 1
- 20/12 - Leeds United 4 Crystal Palace 1
Calvert-Lewin on fire
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s brace was his first in the Premier League since November 2020, against Fulham.
The striker is now on seven Premier League goals this season, having scored six in his last five.
Leeds up to 16th, Palace down to eighth
Leeds have moved six points clear of West Ham United and the relegation zone, and have gone one point ahead of Nottingham Forest, who play on Monday.
Palace meanwhile, have dropped to eighth, now trailing Manchester United on goal difference, and remain three points adrift of the top four.
Full time: Leeds United 4 Crystal Palace 1
Stach’s free-kick is the final moment of the match as the full-time whistle blows on a massive victory for Leeds, who move six points above the drop-zone.
GOAL! Stach seals win with sublime free-kick
Leeds United 4 Crystal Palace 1 (Stach) The penalty is overturned but it doesn’t matter!
Stach steps up for the free-kick, right on the edge of the area over to the left, and he whips a wonderful strike into the left of the goal.
Pure class by the summer signing to restore his side’s three-goal lead.
90+9: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 1
Leeds think they have a penalty of their own, but it’s chalked off by VAR.
Gruev is slid in behind and Sosa goes down really early into a sliding challenge. The wing-back ends up bringing down the Leeds man as the pair head into the box.
There is a VAR check over whether the foul was made inside the box, though, and the penalty is overturned.
90+7 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 1
Leeds have been in total control this evening but it’s a very nervy end to this match. Farke will be so frustrated that they have surrendered their clean sheet and put this pressure on themselves.
Wharton goes down after taking a knock to his knee but he should be okay to continue. He then goes in the book, perhaps for his complaints at the challenge. Do Palace have one last push in them?
90+4 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 1
Devenny should have a second! Lerma plays an excellent inswinging ball into the area, picking out the midfielder at the back post, but he heads the ball against the post from really close range.
GOAL! Devenny scores late consolation from the spot
Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 1 (Devenny) Palace have a late consolation and it’s come from the penalty spot.
A ball is played over the Leeds defence and Uche shows good stregnth to get there first before knocking the ball past Perri, who clatters into the striker, giving away the penalty.
Devenny steps up for the visitors and he strokes home into the bottom left corner, sending the Leeds keeper the wrong way.
88 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Before the Palace corner, 16-year-old Drakes-Thomas comes on for the visitors for his Premier League debut after impressing in midweek.
The corner causes problems for Leeds at the near post but they squirm it behind for another. This one is awkward for the hosts too, but they clear this one more effectively.
The final changes from Farke now with their goalscorers Calvert-Lewin and Ampadu making way for Piroe and Gruev. There will be no hat-trick for the in-form striker.
86 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Palace put together one of their best moves of the second half as Pino slides Wharton into the left channel. The midfielder plays a lovely low ball into the box but Uche misses his kick.
Leeds look to counter and Calvert-Lewin is slipped into the right of the area but the ball just gets away from him.
Palace go straight back down the other end and Pino sees an effort from the edge of the box deflect behind for a corner.
83 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Palace win a free-kick inside the Leeds half but Devenny’s delivery is headed clear and Lacroix is penalised when the ball comes back into the box.
Leeds really have won a remarkable amount of advanced throw-ins tonight and they have another down their right. Centre-back Bijol pulls off a lovely deft flick at the near post this time but it doesn’t find a white shirt.
80 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Calvert-Lewin is picked out inside the area but he can’t quite manufacture the room to take aim.
Leeds do win another throw in an advanced position, though, and it’s cleared to Stach on the edge of the area, but his powerful volley sails over.
Another change from Farke now, bringing on a very smiley Justin for the closing stages, with Bogle making way.
77 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Palace work the ball nicely out to Sosa in space on their right and the wing-back comes inside before finding Pino inside the area, but the Spaniard dallies on it and his final cross looking for Mateta is headed clear.
Leeds start to knock the ball around with some confidence and it encourages the home supporters to begin the “Oles”. A foul from Sosa brings them to an end.
It also brings about some more changes with Okafor and Aaronson making way for Gnonto and Aaronson, while Devenny and Uche come on for Palace in place of Nketiah and Mateta.
74 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Glasner has looked to his bench once again, with Sosa coming on for Clyne in the last few minutes. Palace have done nothing in this second half.
They do win a corner down their left as Pino’s strike from range takes a deflection. It’s played straight to Wharton on the edge of the area but his well-controlled half-volley is straight at Perri.
70 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Henderson will be okay to continue and he will immediately have another long throw to contend with as play gets back underway.
Palace look like they should be able to deal with it but Guehi and Lacroix leave the ball for each other and it requires an improvised back-heel flick by the Frenchman and a bicycle-kick from his fellow defender to scramble it clear.
67 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
The corner from the left finds Struijk at the back post but his header from close range is somehow kept out, with Henderson making a remarkable save as he scrambles over and gets a strong left hand to it.
The Palace goalkeeper appears to have hurt himself in the process and is requiring some treatment. It looks like some kind of leg injury.
65 mins: Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0
Despite Glasner making 11 changes, it appears Palace’s poor record after European games is going to continue.
Leeds nearly make it four as Rodon’s effort from the edge of the box gets a helpful deflection, but it whistles just wide of the far post.
GOAL! Ampadu pokes home to make it three for Leeds
Leeds United 3 Crystal Palace 0 (Ampadu) After creating the first two goals with his throw-ins, Ampadu now has a goal of his own and it’s his first in the Premier League.
Clyne surrenders a cheap corner down Leeds’ left and while Nketiah wins the initial header, the ball is nodded back into the box and Ampadu reacts well to prod home as the ball runs through towards Henderson.
There is a VAR check over a potential offside but the goal stands! Leeds have a three-goal lead and they are surely on course for a massive three points.
58 mins: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
Clyne wins Palace a corner down their right, as his cross is blocked by Gudmundsson, who is winded for a moment after taking it to the stomach.
Leeds win the initial header and after Pino delivers the ball back into the area, Bogle can hook clear.
55 mins: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
Aaronson slides Gudmondsson into the left channel and the wing-back fizzes a dangerous ball into the box but Palace can scramble clear.
Leeds have picked up where they left off in the first half, causing the visitors so many problems.
54 mins: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
Calvert-Lewin is slipped into the right of the area and he could let fly but he takes it too wide and settles for the corner in the end.
The delivery is headed away at the near post but out for a throw-in from a similar position. Ampadu delivers another massive throw and it’s headed behind for another corner.
Richards wins the header but the set-piece had curled out of play anyway.
51 mins: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
Ampadu releases Calvert-Lewin down Leeds’ right with a long ball over the top and the striker sends a dangerous first-time ball into the area.
Palace win the header but it drops to Stach, who takes aim, but his volley deflects behind for a corner.
The delivery from the right drops with Rodon in the area and the defender digs out an effort but it’s blocked by the visitors.
48 mins: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
Leeds win a throw high up down their left and alarm bells will be ringing in the Palace defence as Ampadu makes his way over to the touchline.
They deal with this one, as they have done generally this season. They had not conceded from a throw-in in the league this season before tonight.
47 mins: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
It’s a fast start to the second half from Palace and they win a corner down their left inside the opening minute.
Pino’s delivery is a wicked one but Calvert-Lewin produces an unorthodox block with his chest before a team-mate hooks the ball away.
46 mins: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
We are back underway at Elland Road, with Leeds kicking things off, going from right to left in this second half.
There is one change to report at the break, with Lerma replacing Hughes in midfield for Palace.
Bargain for Leeds
A reminder that Leeds signed Calvert-Lewin from Everton on a free transfer this summer.
Leeds on top
After an even start to the match, Leeds ended up dominating the opening period.
They had 53% of the ball, more shots than Palace (11-3), more efforts on target (3-1), and a greater xG (1.94-0.16).
Watch: Calvert-Lewin opens the scoring
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores for the fifth Premier League game in a row for Leeds! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QEqbwFh7TR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Calvert-Lewin on fire
That is Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first brace in the Premier League since November 2020, against Fulham.
The striker is now on seven Premier League goals this season, having scored six in his last five.
Half-time: Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0
That goal is the final action of a great first half for Leeds and Calvert-Lewin. The hosts are 2-0 up at the break and it’s the striker with both of the goals.
GOAL! Calvert-Lewin doubles hosts’ lead on brink of half-time
Leeds United 2 Crystal Palace 0 (Calvert-Lewin) It’s that man again! And it’s a long throw causing Palace problems again.
Amapadu sends it into the box from the right this time, and Bijol wins the flick-on at the near post. It finds Calvert-Lewin at the far post and he can nod home from close range.
That’s six goals in five games for the striker.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores AGAIN! 😤 pic.twitter.com/2qGb4MzBoL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
45+4 mins: Leeds United 1 Crystal Palace 0
Guehi clips the heels of Ampadu as Leeds look to break following the Palace corner, and he joins Lacroix in the book.
Moments later, Ampadu launches another throw into the box but Mateta wins the first header, and the second.
45+1 mins: Leeds United 1 Crystal Palace 0
Aaronson and Stach combine superbly down Leeds’ right but the latter’s cross from the byline is parried away by Henderson.
The ball lands with Struijk on the edge of the box, though, and he sends a fizzing volley goalbound but it takes a nick off Richards and pings just wide for a corner.
Leeds win the initial header from the set-piece but it drifts wide for a goal-kick.
43 mins: Leeds United 1 Crystal Palace 0
Lacroix goes in strongly on Calvert-Lewin, catching the striker’s shin on the follow-through, and he goes into the book. The Leeds goalscorer is really unhappy with the challenge.
The hosts send the free-kick into the box but Guehi and Mitchell combine to get it clear.
GOAL! Calvert-Lewin continues scoring streak to give hosts lead
Leeds United 1 Crystal Palace 0 (Calvert-Lewin) Leeds line up another long throw and this time it pays off.
Ampadu’s launch from the left is flicked on by Richards and it lands with Calvert-Lewin at the back post. The striker’s initial effort is saved well by Henderson but he can tuck home on the rebound.
Elland Road is bouncing - the Leeds supporters have a new hero! Calvert-Lewin has now scored in five successive games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores for the fifth Premier League game in a row for Leeds! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QEqbwFh7TR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
37 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
There is a VAR check for the challenge from Mitchell but the onfield decision remains, so no penalty. The wing-back got the slightest contact on the ball, which has saved him.
35 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Aaronson wriggles into the right of the area and Mitchell goes flying in with a sliding challenge. It’s clumsy from the wing-back but he may have just got the ball and play is waved on. This will be checked.
In the meantime, Palace break down the other end and Mateta is found in the left of the box but after cutting in, he slices his strike well wide of the mark.
32 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Hughes wins a free-kick for Palace in midfield and the visitors take the opportunity to load the box, but after they win the first couple of headers, Bijol is able to hack it clear.
29 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Okafor skips past Richards with a nice piece of skill and he has space to run into down Leeds’ left, but his final ball into the area looking for Aaronson is cut out.
Mateta heads the long throw behind for a corner, which Struijk risest high to meet, but he can only glance his header well wide of the far post.
25 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Leeds combine nicely down their right, freeing Rodon down the flank, and the defender sends a deep cross into the box but Clyne is well-placed to nod it behind for a corner.
Struijk wins the header but sends his effort just high and wide of the top left corner.
24 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Wharton wriggles out of trouble inside Palace’s half and plays an incisive pass up to Mateta, who is bundled to the floor, but the referee waves play on.
Wharton is a joy to watch, though, making everything look so easy in midfield.
21 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Wharton drives through midfield and pulls off a cheeky back-heel that picks out the run of Pino, who plays a ball into Mateta on the edge of the box.
The striker lays it back for Nketiah, who takes aim, but his low driven effort is saved by Perri.
Moments later, Pino delivers another dangerous ball into the box but Mateta can’t generate any real power on his header and Perri can gather comfortably.
19 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Having win the corner, it’s Rodon who rises highest at the set piece, but his header glances wide of the right post. He should be hitting the target there.
Down the other, Pino cuts in and sends a delightful inswinging ball into the area but there is no one there in a red and blue shirt to attack it.
17 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Pino breaks free in midfield and can run at the Leeds defence but his through-ball searching for the run of Mateta is cut out and the Spaniard then gives away the foul as he looks to win it back.
Leeds win a throw down their left and, once again, Ampadu trots over to send a long one into the box. This time, it’s Mateta who wins the initial header but the ball drops to Rodon and his rushed effort deflects behind for a corner.
14 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Soon after plays gets back underway, Mateta is fed into the right of the Leeds box but his cross is far too close to Perri who can gather with ease.
After starting the match on the back foot, Palace are just starting to get a foothold, knocking the ball around nicely with Wharton getting lots of touches.
11 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Calvert-Lewin’s forehead collided with the back of Guehi’s head, and it’s the striker who has come off worse here.
He appears to have some kind of cut on his forehead so is receiving treatment for that. Once that is sorted, he goes through what looks like a quick test for concussion and it seems he should be okay to carry on.
9 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Leeds are definitely building out from the back with a back four rather than a back five, with Rodon shifting out to right-back and Bogle moving up to right-wing.
There is a really nasty clash of heads between Guehi and Calvert-Lewin and the game will be paused for a moment.
5 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Ampadu winds up the long throw down Leeds’ left but Richards gets his head to it first and Pino completes the clearance.
Down the other end, Clyne pinches the ball high up the pitch but Leeds get numbers back quickly and Palace are forced to recycle it.
3 mins: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
Leeds put together a slick move from back to front, but Calvert-Lewin’s ball into Aaronson in the right channel is slightly overhit and the Amercian can only slice his cross behind for a goal-kick.
Leeds are pressing Palace really high up as the they look to play out in these opening stages.
1 min: Leeds United 0 Crystal Palace 0
We are underway at Elland Road, with Palace kicking things off, going from right to left in this opening period.
Kick-off approaching
The players have emerged from the tunnel at Elland Road and we are less than five minutes away from-kick off.
Palace’s poor record after European games
Crystal Palace have failed to win six of their seven Premier League games which have come directly after competing in Europe in midweek this season, drawing two and losing four.
However, Oliver Glasner has made 11 changes for tonight’s game following their midweek draw with KuPS.
Chance for Leeds to create breathing room
Ahead of tonight’s game, here is how the bottom five looks in the Premier League:
16: Nottingham Forest - Played 16 - 18 points
17: Leeds United - Played 16 - 16 points
18: West Ham United - Played 17 - 13 points
19: Burnley - Played 17 - 11 points
20: Wolves - Played 17 - 2 points
‘Oliver is delivering’ - Farke full of praise for Glasner
Daniel Farke has previously come up against Oliver Glasner in Germany, and he was full of praise for the Palace boss this week.
Asked about Glasner’s tenure at Palace, Farke said: “Fantastic job, not just with Crystal Palace but before in the Bundesliga.
“Quality is always defined by what you do over a long-term period and that is what Oliver is delivering.”
Reminder of tonight’s teams
Leeds United: Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Subs: Tanaka, Bornauw, Byram, Darlow, Gnonto, Harrison, Gruev, Justin, Piroe.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Nketiah, Mateta, Pino.
Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Canvas, Sosa, Devenny, Rodney, Esse, Uche, Drakes-Thomas.
Glasner on facing new Leeds system
Leeds have had joy in recent weeks after changing to a back five, taking five points from three games.
Asked about facing Farke’s side following this switch, Oliver Glasner said: “We don’t think too much about the opposition because we have no influence. Maybe they change the system again.
“We have to be ready and they can, even against Brentford, change within the game.”
What Liverpool’s win over Spurs means for tonight’s game
Liverpool have just beaten the nine-men of Tottenham 2-1 in north London, taking them up to fifth in the Premier League.
It means Crystal Palace come into their game in seventh, trailing both Chelsea (fourth) and Liverpool by three points, but they would likely go in between those two teams on goal difference with a win tonight.
They trail Sunderland by a point after their draw at Brighton today, and are level on points with Manchester United, who play tomorrow.
As for Leeds, they can go within three points of Spurs with victory tonight. A win would also take Farke’s side a point ahead of Nottingham Forest and six clear of West Ham United.
Farke on January window
Asked about the January transfer window this week, Daniel Farke said: “I have no indication that anyone wants to leave. All players with us are part of my plans. They should all be desperate to be in the squad.
“This is how you have quality. You always have to choose an XI and disappoint another XI.”
On bringing in players, the Leeds boss said: “It is a difficult market, just a limited number of players available. If you sign in the summer, you have whole of pre-season to prepare.
“January is difficult because a player is a problem who has an injury or not much game time - or you have to spend a lot. You need many things to come together.”
He added: “We always have to stay awake, if we find someone who makes our group better and is affordable - we have to be prepared.”
Leeds building momentum
After a run of four consecutive defeats, Leeds are now unbeaten in their last three Premier League games (W1 D2).
They last had a longer run without defeat in the same season in April 2022 (5).
Palace strong on the road
No team has won more away Premier League points in 2025 than Crystal Palace (34), with Glasner’s side having won the most away games this year (10).
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have conceded fewer away goals than any other side in the league this season (5).
Today’s Premier League games
12:30
15:00
- Bournemouth 1 Burnley 1
- Brighton 0 Sunderland 0
- Manchester City 3 West Ham 0
- Wolves 0 Brentford 2
17:30
20:00
- Everton vs Arsenal
- Leeds United vs Crystal Palace
Glasner on Palace’s tight turn around
Asked about Crystal Palace facing a team like Leeds just just two days after their Conference League game, Oliver Glasner said yesterday: “You have to be psychologically ready for every Premier League team, not just for Leeds.
“You can see it in every single game, every team is able score from open play, from set-plays and from transitions, so you always have to be psychologically ready. We proved it many times that we can deal with it, so no concerns at all.”
On whether he tells his players to take as much time off as possible when they are playing three games in five days, he said: “First of all, they are all adults and they don’t need this advice because they are very good professionals.
“On the other side, they have no time for all this stuff.”
Farke on Calvert-Lewin’s England chances after run of goals
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in each of Leeds United’s last four, having not scored in his previous seven.
Asked what has changed for the striker, Daniel Farke said: “He had a lack of game time over the last few years. A lot of small injuries. It was key to take care of him so he can train and stay fit.
“You need a few weeks to get the confidence in your body and your game back. Right now you can see the rewards.”
Asked whether Calvert-Lewin can find his way back into the England squad, the Leeds boss said: “He’s done it before. Quite a few caps for England and quite a good goal record. His quality and potential was and is never in doubt.”
"Calvert-Lewin rises and Calvert-Lewin scores" 😤
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2025
Leeds are level! pic.twitter.com/L2FNUhNWwu
Palace on top of recent head-to-head
Leeds have lost their last two Premier League games against Crystal Palace, as many as they had in their previous nine (W5 D2).
Crystal Palace won 5-1 in their last Premier League away game against Leeds in April 2023. They’ve never won consecutive top-flight visits to Elland Road before.
Those line-ups in full
Leeds United: Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Subs: Tanaka, Bornauw, Byram, Darlow, Gnonto, Harrison, Gruev, Justin, Piroe.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Nketiah, Mateta, Pino.
Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Canvas, Sosa, Devenny, Rodney, Esse, Uche, Drakes-Thomas.
Glasner makes 11 changes from Conference League
As expected, Oliver Glasner has made 11 changes to his Crystal Palace team following their Conference League draw with KuPS as he returns to a more familiar line-up.
The XI to face Leeds ✊ pic.twitter.com/IytyddlWXB
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 20, 2025
Leeds make one change - Aaronson replaces Tanaka
Daniel Farke has made one change to the Leeds team that started in the draw at Brentford, bringing Aaronson in to replace Tanaka.
📋 Your #LUFC XI... pic.twitter.com/rm2A5j2jXy
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 20, 2025
Palace injury news
Oliver Glasner confirmed Crystal Palace did not pick up any new injuries in their draw with KuPS on Thursday.
He said: “If nothing happens, the 11 players who did not start [in Conference League] will start at Leeds. I don’t know what happens there and who will be available for the Arsenal game.”
Leeds injury news
Daniel Farke said this week he has the “same group of players available” as he did for last weekend’s draw at Brentford.
Asked about Daniel James, he said: “No surgery. So, thank God, it’s the conservative route, but it will still be about eight weeks in total before he can return to team training. And then let’s see how quickly he can be back to full speed.”
On Sean Longstaff, the Leeds boss said: “He is progressing in his rehab, also doing individual stuff on the pitch, running and a little bit with a ball. But the first step will be for him to be integrated into team training and then, of course, a few training sessions to be available. Then, we decide, from game to game and from day to day.”
On Lukas Nmecha: “Lukas is also out of the next game. He’s still a bit symptomatic.”
Leeds look to increase cushion above drop zone as Palace target top four
Good evening, and welcome to live coverage of Leeds United vs Crystal Palace from the Premier League, as Daniel Farke’s side aim to pull further away from the relegation zone while the visitors look to keep pace in the race for Champions League football.
Leeds are currently 17th in the table, three points ahead of West Ham United, and after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were beaten by Manchester City earlier today, the Yorkshire side have the chance to double their cushion above the drop zone this evening.
Farke’s future at Elland Road was in doubt around this time last month, with his side losing five games in six, but a switch to a back five at half-time against Manchester City at the end of November has been the catalyst for a change in fortunes for the German.
It was only Phil Foden’s stoppage-time winner that denied Leeds a point at the Etihad after a spirited second-half comeback, and they have since taken five points from games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Brentford.
Crystal Palace make the trip to Elland Road following a 2-2 draw at home against KuPS in the Conference League on Thursday, but manager Oliver Glasner is expected to make 11 changes for tonight’s game and revert to his more familiar starting line-up.
Palace started the day in fifth, level on points with the three teams below them and two points adrift of Chelsea in fourth. But after Enzo Maresca’s side drew away at Newcastle United earlier today, Glasner’s men have the chance to go level on points with them this evening.
Palace have the best defensive record away from home in the Premier League this season, and they will hope to show evidence of their solidity on the road this evening as they come up against an in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored in each of his last four matches.
Category: General Sports
