In a move that has caught the eye of many a football enthusiast, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has decided to hand a starting berth to the you...
In a move that has caught the eye of many a football enthusiast, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has decided to hand a starting berth to the young Spaniard, Adrian Pino, in place of the regular right back, Daniel Johnson, for this evening's high stakes UEFA Europa League clash against the Ukrainian giants, Shakhtar Donetsk. The powers that be at Selhurst Park have clearly opted for a more attack minded approach, giving Johnson a breather on the bench as Pino, a player of considerable promise, prepares to give a good account of himself on the European stage. The Eagles, looking to secure a resounding victory on their home turf, know that the lion's share of the possession will count for nothing if they cannot breach a Shakhtar defence that has proven to be quite resilient in recent outings. The Nigerian international, Odsonne Edouard, who has been wearing the famous red and blue jersey with distinction this term, leads the line for the home side. His clinical finishing will be crucial in the scheme of things, as Palace aim to control the tempo of the game from the very first whistle. At the end of the day, it is the result that matters most, and Glasner has chosen his starting eleven to provide that decisive edge. The atmosphere around the stadium is electric, with the fans expecting a formidable display. The choice of Pino over Johnson is a bold statement of intent from the manager, a tactical gamble that could pay off handsomely if the young man can keep his composure against the rapid wingers of the Ukrainian side. As the players take to the pitch in their gleaming white kits, the message is clear: Crystal Palace are here to fight for every ball, and no place is given for free. Here in Nigeria, the viewing centres in Surulere and the highbrow spots in Victoria Island are packed to the rafters with fans who have shelved their evening plans to watch this encounter. These supporters, many of whom have followed Edouard since his days in the Scottish Premiership, are already analysing Pino's every warm up touch with the keen eyes of seasoned tacticians. The talk over chilled bottles of malt and groundnuts is not just about the scoreline; it is about the sheer drama of European nights. When Pino makes his first overlapping run, you can be sure that a chorus of approval will echo from Ikeja all the way to the shores of Lekki, because for the Nigerian football fan, there is no greater entertainment than a well fought contest under the lights.
