Crystal Palace have dazzling teen who won 100% of his duels last time, he could start vs AEK Larnaca
Crystal Palace take on AEK Larnaca in the Conference League as Oliver Glasner is expected to ring the changes.
The Eagles are looking to extend their unbeaten run in the third-tier European competition after a 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv on 2 October.
Yet, with a small-sized squad, Glasner will be forced to make several changes, potentially including end-of-season departee Marc Guehi.
Moreover, with Borna Sosa out suspended and Tyrick Mitchell in need of a rest after an intense workload of late, the Austrian could turn to an up-and-coming Palace wonderkid.
Rio Cardines ready for full senior debut for Crystal Palace
Late on in the clash with Dynamo Kyiv, Glasner handed a surprise debut off the bench for 19-year-old Rio Cardines.
The Trinidadian had only previously played at Under-21 level for the club, but the manager has been impressed by his talent in recent months.
Cardines has been a part of the Eagles travelling team for most matches this season but never managed to come off the bench.
Yet, he looked lively in a brief cameo for Palace, winning 100 per cent of his duels and tackles as well as firing an explosive shot on target.
His speed and pace is reminiscent of teammate Daniel Munoz who has made a name for himself down the right-hand side at Selhurst Park.
Sosa’s suspension means he has a perfect opportunity to break into the Conference League team and make his full senior debut for his boyhood club.
Cardines the future as Crystal Palace tentative on Tyrick Mitchell contract
Back in January 2025, sources told Football Insider that Crystal Palace considered selling Mitchell with his contract previously set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Eagles opted to extend his deal by two years as per a clause in his contract, but the reluctance to offer him a lucrative long-term deal suggests the south London club are not completely sold on his future with the team.
This suggests that the Palace hierarchy view Cardines as the long-term solution at left-back and an impressive run of games in the Conference League could see him play far more regularly in the coming seasons.
Conversely, since joining from Ajax, Sosa has had little impact on the pitch, presenting yet another opportunity for the Trinidad and Tobago international to become the second choice left-back under Glasner.