Leeds United v Crystal Palace: Key stats and talking points
In-form Leeds United test their unbeaten record against a Crystal Palace side who have problems in defence. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes going into Sunday's game at Elland Road. Up to third in the league and boasting a record of just one defeat in 13 league matches – and just five in their past 29 - these are great times for Leeds fans.
Leeds United and Crystal Palace are set to face off at Elland Road on Sunday, with the home side currently unbeaten in 13 league matches and only one defeat in their last 29 games. This has been a strong start to the Premier League season for Leeds, who have amassed eight points from four matches. A win over Crystal Palace would see Daniel Farke's side equal their best start to a Premier League season under David O'Leary in 2001-02.
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in exceptional form, scoring two goals and providing an assist in their 4-1 victory over Newcastle. This has seen him become only the second player to score in five consecutive Premier League fixtures at Elland Road, after Mark Viduka. Calvert-Lewin now has the opportunity to become the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive top-flight appearances at home since Arthur Hyde in 1932-33.
Leeds has been a formidable force at home, with no defeat in their last nine league matches. Only Arsenal (52), Manchester City (50), Manchester United (45) and Bournemouth (37) have managed more top-flight points in the 2026 season than Leeds' 35. Under German manager Daniel Farke, Leeds has made consistent team selections, naming an unchanged starting XI for 10 Premier League games since the start of the 2025-26 season, the most by any side.
Crystal Palace, however, have had a rocky start under new manager Pierre Sage, with three defeats in their last four league games. Their defense has been a major concern, with 11 goals conceded in their last 10 matches, the most conceded in a period this length. Defensively, Crystal Palace has been inconsistent, facing the most shots on target (8.15) and allowing their opponents the most touches in their own box (164).
The Eagles have conceded two or more goals in their last 10 matches, only matching Fulham's Premier League record of 13 consecutive games over a January to April period in 2019. The departure of defenders Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, and Daniel Munoz in January and summer transfer windows, along with the absence of goalkeeper and captain Dean Henderson, has exacerbated these defensive issues.
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- Can Leeds move closer to 40 points against 'unimpressive' Palace? sports.yahoo.com
