The unprecedented lengthy international break is at an end, making way for domestic football to finally return, as the Eagles prepare for a busy fixture schedule in the coming weeks starting with the visit of Nottingham Forest.
Of course, this will be a feisty one with the fans of both clubs whipped up into a frenzy after recent events, not least with Oliver Glasner taking charge at the City Ground and taking Daniel Munoz with him.
It remains to be seen how the Austrian is welcomed back to Selhurst Park, but this is a manager who oversaw the most successful period in its history. Hopefully most Palace fans will acknowledge him warming before kick off, but once the whistle goes, it is down to business.
The Story So Far
Crystal Palace
Palace have endured a mixed start to the Premier League season, collecting four points from the opening five matches. However, the league table perhaps does not tell the full story. Three defeats came against strong opposition, and there have been positive signs both domestically and in Europe. Palace headed into the international break after a 0-0 draw with Leeds United and an impressive 4-0 Europa League victory over Lech Poznan.
Manager Pierre Sage is still implementing his ideas following the summer departure of Glasner, and supporters are beginning to see glimpses of a more possession-based and attacking approach.
Nottingham Forest
Forest’s start has been similarly inconsistent. They recorded an eye-catching victory over Aston Villa and earned draws against both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, showing they can compete. However, they entered the break following a disappointing home defeat to newly promoted Coventry City.
Ironically, Glasner leading Forest adds an additional layer of intrigue to the contest.
Key Tactical Battle
Palace’s Creativity vs Forest’s Organisation
Palace have created plenty of chances this season and continue to look dangerous through the creativity of players such as Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton and Yeremy Pino.
Forest, meanwhile, have been more compact defensively, conceding only five league goals compared with Palace’s eleven. Their defensive structure, marshalled by players such as Murillo and potentially Nikola Milenkovic, has generally been one of their strengths.
The midfield battle involving Adam Wharton, Quinten Timber and Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White could ultimately decide the game.
Palace Players to Watch
Adam Wharton
The midfielder remains the heartbeat of Palace’s build-up play. His ability to dictate tempo and find passes through defensive lines will be crucial against Forest’s organised shape.
Yeremy Pino
The Spaniard has already shown flashes of quality and is emerging as one of Palace’s most creative attacking threats. His movement between the lines could cause Forest problems.
Forest Players to Watch
Morgan Gibbs-White
Forest’s chief creator remains their biggest attacking threat. He already has goals and assists this season and will look to exploit any gaps behind Palace’s midfield.
Dan Ndoye
Direct, quick and aggressive in transition, Ndoye could be the player Palace need to contain on the counter-attack.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Palace will be without suspended defender Axel Disasi, while Chadi Riad remains sidelined. There are also fitness concerns over Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jefferson Lerma.
Nottingham Forest
Forest will monitor the fitness of defender Nikola Milenkovic, while other defensive options may be required depending on late assessments after international duty.
Recent Head-to-Head
If history tells us anything, it is to expect a tight game.
Four of the last five league meetings between the clubs have finished 1-1, and Palace are still looking for their first Premier League victory over Forest since the latter returned to the top flight. The Eagles last beat Forest in December 2011 at the City Ground (11 games without a win since). You have to go back to December 2003 for a Palace victory at Selhurst (9 games without a win since).
Prediction
Selhurst Park should provide a significant boost for Palace after the international break. The Eagles have shown encouraging attacking signs and will be keen to make a statement against their former manager.
Forest, however, remain difficult to break down and possess enough quality on the counter attack to punish any mistakes.
Predicted Score
Crystal Palace 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Man of the Match: Adam Wharton
Palace’s extra attacking quality at home and the Selhurst atmosphere will just edge a closely fought contest, although another draw would surprise nobody given the recent history between these sides.
TEB Verdict: A tense, emotionally charged reunion with Oliver Glasner, but one that Palace can shade in front of a packed Selhurst Park.
