Jorgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace running during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 5, 2026 / Pierre Sage Manager of Crystal Palace applauds the Crystal Palace fans during the Premier League match between Fulham FC v Crystal Palace FC at Craven Cottage Stadium, London, England, on September 5

Jorgen Strand Larsen could be facing the axe at Crystal Palace.Imago

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Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

20 Oct 2026, 4:15 pm

Pierre Sage is already facing a tenure-defining game as Crystal Palace prepare to play Besiktas in the Europa League.

The pressure is piling on the new manager, who has been in charge for just 10 matches since arriving at Selhurst Park in the summer.

Palace are coming off the back of a dismal 5-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League, having lost to Lyon in the previous game.

While many have instead decided to point fingers at the hierarchy, it cannot be argued that Sage is also unwilling to change tactics.

This has all led to a rather dangerous situation for the 47-year-old, who may have just a handful of games left to turn things around in South London.

If the Eagles' boss is to survive the trip to Turkey on Thursday, 22 October, he needs to make some key changes to the starting lineup.

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Jorgen Strand Larsen has started Palace's last seven games across all competitions, but he has now failed to score in four appearances.

With Jean-Philippe Mateta making an appearance off the bench against Brighton at the weekend, starting the Frenchman instead is a no-brainer.

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Quinten Timber

Adam Wharton is unlikely to be dropped, but the Eagles need a change in the middle of the pitch. Quinten Timber could be the one sacrificed.

Having been hooked at half-time against Brighton, he created no chances, completed no dribbles, won just 33 per cent of his ground duels, and made zero tackles [FotMob].