Jorgen Strand Larsen in action for Crystal Palace during a Premier League game alongside Pierre Sage at Lens.
Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen alongside manager Pierre SageImago

Crystal Palace should axe Jorgen Strand Larsen vs Leeds, the data is clear

Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Crystal Palace would be wise to drop Jorgen Strand Larsen for their upcoming trip to Leeds United after his latest performance against the club.

The striker has been a key player for the Eagles in recent matches and has scored four goals in his last three appearances in all competitions.

As a result, the 26-year-old looks to finally be hitting form at Selhurst Park after his big-money move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the winter window.

However, Strand Larsen has traditionally been awful against Leeds United, and this has continued since his move to Crystal Palace.

Therefore, Pierre Sage should look to drop the attack for their upcoming trip to Elland Road on Sunday.

It is likely that the Norway international would have no positive impact on the game and therefore should not take part.

How bad was Jorgen Strand Larsen vs Leeds United?

In Palace’s last meeting against Leeds, Strand Larsen was awful. 

Despite the visitors being down to 10 players for the entire second half, the striker was unable to do anything positive.

According to Fotmob on 18 September, he had zero shots, created zero chances, completed 47 per cent of his passes, was dispossessed once and won zero out of four ground duels.

As a result, he was hauled off on the hour mark and was easily the Eagles’ worst player on the field.

Therefore, with it being clear that Strand Larsen cannot play against Leeds’ system, Sage should just drop him.

Jorgen Strand Larsen in action for Crystal Palace during a Premier League game alongside Pierre Sage at Lens.
Dwight McNeil should start for Crystal Palace vs Leeds, the data makes selection clear

What is Crystal Palace’s recent record against Leeds United?

Palace actually have a fairly solid record against Leeds United in recent years.

The Eagles have only lost one of their past five meetings, winning two of them.

However, Palace have struggled at Elland Road in recent years, losing four of their past five visits.

While Palace were able to secure a sensational 5-1 victory in West Yorkshire in 2023, it is clear that the club are going to have a tough time securing a result on Sunday.

Nevertheless, if Palace can replicate their last performance, where they won 3-0 against Lech Poznan, they may have a chance of coming back with an excellent victory before the international break.

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