Preview for Strasbourg v Crystal Palace
Strasbourg host Crystal Palace tomorrow night knowing a win would put them in a strong position to claim a place in the top eight, and an automatic qualifying spot for the knockout rounds.
Liam Rosenior’s side are ticking along very nicely this season, impressing in Europe and lying fifth in Ligue 1, vindicating the Englishman’s decision to move to France despite being linked with several high-profile jobs in the Championship.
Rosenior’s position at the Stade de La Meinau was undoubtedly a factor in the club being able to lure former England full-back Ben Chilwell to the club that is owned by the same American BlueCo consortium that control Chelsea.
And Chilwell, who this morning spoke of his desire to return to the Three Lions squad ahead of the World Cup, has been pleasantly surprised by what he has experienced in Alsace.
He told BBC Sport: “It wasn’t my top choice, but then I spoke to the manager. It was only a 10-minute call, and I rang my agent straight away after and said, ‘Yes, let’s get Strasbourg done.’
“Liam said I’d be surprised how much I’d enjoy it. He still thought I could improve and said he would ask me to play certain roles I haven’t played before, which has already started to happen.
“Then there’s the leadership side of it. I’ve been in changing rooms with serial winners and know how to be in a group that wins stuff. It just seemed like a no-brainer and a pretty perfect fit.
“I’m definitely shocked at the quality. There are a lot of people going straight to the top here, and I include the manager in that. The league is good and the stadiums are full.
“We’ve shown we can compete with PSG and the manager has big ambitions to win stuff this season and qualify for the Champions League.”
Chilwell spent the latter half of last season on loan at Palace, helping them win the FA Cup.
He will start as part of a Strasbourg team that is expected to provide a stiff test for Palace, who continue to progress under the shrewd leadership of Oliver Glasner.
Palace won 2-0 at Wolves on Saturday to move up to fifth in the Premier League table.
Team News for Strasbourg v Crystal Palace
Strasbourg wing-back Abdoul Ouattara has been ruled out and joins Saidou Sow, Maxi Oyedele, Karl-Johan Johnsson and Abakar Sylla on the sidelines.
Glasner has rotated his squad for Conference League games this season and could do the same tomorrow.
Predicted line-ups for Strasbourg v Crystal Palace
Strasbourg: Penders; Sarr, Hogsberg, Chilwell; Doue, Mourabet, Barco, Moreira; Enciso, Godo; Panichelli
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta
How to watch Strasbourg v Crystal Palace: TV and online streams
Strasbourg versus Crystal Palace kicks off at 8pm UK time tomorrow night. It is available on TNT Sports in the UK and available to stream via the discovery+ app.
It is available via local Conference League rights holders in other countries, including the United States.
