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Football London
Football London
Sport
Michael Mutch

How Crystal Palace will prepare for Premier League return with friendly fixtures confirmed

Crystal Palace have confirmed two friendly fixtures during the World Cup break.

This year’s tournament got underway on Sunday with Ecuador beating hosts Qatar in Group A. England’s campaign got off to a terrific start a day later after a comfortable 6-2 win against Iran.

Palace currently have two players at the World Cup representing their country, with Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew in the Denmark and Ghana squads respectively. The Danes, with Andersen in the starting XI, got off to a frustrating start with a goalless draw against Tunisia on Tuesday, whereas Ayew and his Ghana teammates kickstart their World Cup against Portugal on Thursday (November 24).

READ MORE: Premier League apology sent to Crystal Palace, Fulham and Brentford after fixtures decision

The Premier League was put on hold from November 12 with Palace heading into the break on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat against newly-promoted Nottingham Forest. Patrick Vieira’s side will return to action on Boxing Day with London rivals Fulham visiting Selhurst Park.

But before that, Palace will warm-up for the Premier League return with two friendlies at Selhurst Park. First up, Brazilian side Botafogo will head to South London on Saturday, December 3, with kick-off at 12.30pm.

The Brazilian Serie A 2022 season finished a week before the World Cup got underway, with Fogo finishing 11th after 15 wins and eight draws in their 38 matches. They have a couple of recognisable faces currently within their ranks which once graced the Premier League, including former Manchester United full-back Rafael and ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Marcal.

After that, Palace will welcome Real Vallodlid to Selhurst Park on Friday, December 16. The Spanish La Liga side, who are famously owned by Brazilian legend Ronaldo, enjoyed a successful 2021/22 season after achieving promotion from Spain’s second-tier.

This season, the White and Violets have won five and drawn two of their 14 games and currently sit 12th in La Liga. The friendly at Selhurst Park will kick-off at 8pm.

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