With excitement building ahead of our FA Youth Cup third-round clash against Bradford City at Selhurst Park this Friday (5th December, 18:00 GMT), Under-18s head coach Javier Alonso took a moment to reflect on his side’s momentum and look ahead to what promises to be a special evening under the lights.
The whole game will be broadcast LIVE on Palace TV+ on Friday (5th December), with pre-match content available from 17:45 GMT - click HERE to subscribe now and choose a package that’s right for you.
Please note that Friday's match is only accessible to viewers in the UK, due to FA broadcasting rules.
Can’t watch live? Stay up to date with live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page and look out for the full match report on our Academy news section shortly after the final whistle.
The boys are confident, and they give their best in every training session
—Javier Alonso
Palace come into the tie in buoyant mood after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Southampton in a top-of-the-table U18 Premier League South encounter at the Academy. A few days removed from the action, Alonso was still pleased with what he saw.
“The first 20 minutes were really good,” he explained. “We punished them early with David [Angibeaud’s] goal in the first five minutes.
“After about 20 or 25 minutes they began to have more of the ball, and we dropped a little deeper into a low block.
“We adjusted the pressing as the half went on – also because of the wind, which made it really difficult to play. But in the second half, I think we were better. We punished them three times in the first 20–25 minutes.”
That win, paired with top spot in the U18 Premier League and a commanding 4-0 victory over Chelsea to reach the Premier League Cup knockout stages, has created a sense of rhythm and belief around the group. And Alonso is keen to see that carried forward into Friday night.
“The boys understand what we want to do with and without the ball,” he said.
“They’re confident, and they give their best in every training session. We go day by day, game by game – but yes, it’s a good game ahead. We play at Selhurst Park. I’m excited about that, and it’s a great experience for the boys. If we play the same way, it will be a good game.”
Bradford are a good team
—Javier Alonso
Preparation this week, he says, has matched that growing confidence.
“Training has been really good. They’re putting in a lot of effort, playing as a team, and working individually for the team. I think we’re ready. We’ll be ready on Friday.”
Bradford City, though, won’t be taken lightly.
“I know how they play,” Alonso noted. “Bradford are a good team. We always try to watch as many of their games as we can to understand their style. They play really well with the ball. We’ll have to give our best to beat them.”
And then there’s the occasion itself – Selhurst Park, the first-team stadium, a place every Academy player dreams of stepping onto.
“It’s really special for the boys, and for the staff too,” he smiled. “It’s a different environment to a training ground – special for them, and a really good experience. I think it will be great for them.”
Crystal Palace U18s v Bradford City U18s
Tickets are delivered digitally at the point of purchase and must be downloaded to an Apple or Google Wallet for entry – click HERE to buy tickets.
Supporters who are unable to facilitate digital tickets should contact boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk, where the team can provide a PDF ticket alternative.
