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Glasner shocked by Brighton and Palace's intense rivalry: So far away? It’s a derby?

Glasner shocked by Brighton and Palace's intense rivalry: So far away? It’s a derby?
Glasner shocked by Brighton and Palace's intense rivalry: So far away? It’s a derby?ČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Paul Terry

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has spoken to the media as his side prepares to take on Brighton this weekend.

The Eagles have managed to get their campaign back on track with a three-match winning streak, which could turn into four if they bypass The Seagulls on Sunday afternoon. Palace are one of five sides who are yet to experience top-flight defeat on home soil this season, and Glasner will home to keep that record secure. 

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Will Wharton return?

He was firstly asked on Adam Wharton and if he is available to start this weekend as he slowly returns to match fitness. 

"He is still feeling his chest, and it’s not completely free. Sometimes we need to cough it out and I hope that happens now. 

"It was good for him to play for 30-minutes against AZ. He was a bit rusty but that is why it is important for him to play. 

"He is betting better and better but is it enough to start against Brighton? I am not sure." 

Glasner shocked by Brighton vs Palace rivalry

Palace vs Brighton is named the M23 derby or A23 derby and has often been one of the most underrated rivalries in the Premier League. Glasner was surprised to hear that two sides so far away often detest one another.

"When I heard the first time about it, I thought: “so far away – it’s a derby?” Then I was told about the history. 

"I could feel it last year there, how pleased our fans were winning at Brighton and how proud they were afterwards. 

"At home, of course, the game story, conceding two red cards and getting the win at the end was great. 

"Of course, if you have two (wins) in a row, you want to make three in a row. That's what we will go for. 

"I think they're doing really well. Also, they have a lot of pace in their attack. A clear structure. 

"I think Fabian Hürzeler is doing a great job there. It will be a very good test. For us, it's now to recover physically and mentally and be ready."

Palace must manage Sarr's minutes

Next, Glasner was asked about Ismaïla Sarr and how he can manage his minutes after he scored a brace against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.

"He mentioned yesterday a very, very small tightness in his hamstring. And the doctor told me and then I said, 'hey, we have a game on Sunday as well.' Then he plays for Senegal, fortunately here in London. 

"Again, we have to manage the minutes. This is what we could do. 

"Also, Adam got the minutes. I wanted him to play around 30 minutes after being ill for almost a week. Daichi (Kamada) stayed in the rhythm, giving Dani Muñoz a break, also Jeff Lerma did very well again. 

"Most parts of the game worked how we planned it."

Glasner hopes to maintain home record

Finally, Glasner smiled and spoke proudly on his team's impressive unbeaten home record at Selhurst Park, a record he will hope to maintain this weekend.

"If it's a fortress, our fans make it a fortress. 

"We have the support, we have the togetherness, we have a good feeling. But on the other side, we never care if we play away or at home. 

"It's always the same style, the same approach. Hopefully, the next will follow!"

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