Glasner Backs Key Duo Ahead of European Opener

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi will start Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off against Norwegian side Fredrikstad, despite intense transfer speculation linking both England internationals with Premier League rivals.

Key developments:

• Liverpool in advanced talks for £35m-rated defender Guehi
• Tottenham pushing to sign creative maestro Eze before deadline
• Both players starred in Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph (2023/24)

"Some may question their selection," Glasner stated at Wednesday’s press conference. "But their professionalism is unquestionable. They’ll give everything for Palace until their final minute here."

European Debut at Selhurst Park

Palace’s first-ever European home game comes amid controversy after UEFA demoted them from the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rules. Glasner emphasized moving forward:

"We earned Europa League football through silverware, but now we embrace this new challenge. Our fans deserve a night to remember."

Match context:

• Fredrikstad currently 8th in Eliteserien
• Palace unbeaten in preseason (3W 2D)
• Historic opportunity: First London club to compete in Conference League

Transfer Market Tension

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson addressed squad concerns:

"We’ve thrived after losing key players before. When Michael Olise left, we delivered our best-ever season. Trust the process – this squad has depth."

Road Ahead

While Palace brace for potential departures, Thursday’s match offers:

• Platform for emerging talents like Adam Wharton
• Chance to build European pedigree
• Momentum boost before Premier League opener vs Brentford

Glasner concluded: "This is just the beginning. We’ll fight on all fronts while building something special."