- Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in Conference League final
- Adam Wharton and Chris Richards set to start
- Duo had been injury concerns
Crystal Palace have been handed a massive boost as Adam Wharton and Chris Richards are fit and set to START tonight’s UEFA Conference League final. The pair have been injury concerns heading into the game at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
According to James Savundra of Sky Sports, Wharton and Richards are expected to be named in Oliver Glasner’s starting lineup. Both took part in training on Tuesday to prepare for the game and they are now available to take part from the off.
It’s the best news possible for Palace fans who have been fretting over the duo’s availability. Not only will they be fit for the game but they are also returning to the starting XI.
Wharton and Richards to start
Wharton picked up an ankle injury in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal. The English midfielder came off the bench in the second half but sustained a knock that led to his withdrawal.
Richards’ injury occurred in a 2-2 draw against Brentford the weekend prior. The American defender tore two ligaments in his ankle and sat out the defeat to the newly-crowned champions at Selhurst Park.
Glasner told reporters ahead of the final that a decision would be made this morning on whether the duo would start the game. They are now ready to take their place in the starting XI.
Richards will likely join Maxence Lacroix and Jaydee Canvot in defence as he has done throughout the second half of the season. The trio have been superb and played an enormous role in getting to the final.
Wharton is set to partner Daichi Kamada in midfield. If they put in performances like the one against Shakhtar Donetsk in Poland during the semi-finals, it bodes well for the Eagles.
Likely lineup
With Wharton and Richards fit to start tonight’s final it seems likely that Glasner will use a familiar starting lineup. That means Dean Henderson starts in goal, with Richards joining Lacroix and Canvot in defence.
Wharton should partner Kamada in midfield with Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell at wing-back. On the right of a three-man attack should be Ismaila Sarr with Yeremy Pino on the left and Jean-Philippe Mateta leading the line.
Palace are one win away from winning their first-ever European trophy. That will grant them a place in next season’s Europa League and be the perfect send-off for Glasner.
