Borussia Mönchengladbach U21

Premier League International Cup

Crystal Palace U21

The match, which was scheduled to kick-off at 19:00 GMT this evening (21st January) and be shown live on Palace TV+, will no longer take place.

Details of rearranged date will be announced as soon as possible. Supporters who have purchased tickets are advised to email <mailto:boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk> or call the Box Office on 0333 360 1861.

Further updates will be provided on [cpfc.co.uk](http://cpfc.co.uk) and via the official [Academy X account](https://x.com/CPFCAcademy).

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Crystal Palace Under-21s’ Premier League International Cup fixture against Borussia Mönchengladbach has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the VBS Community Stadium.

Palace U21s v Borussia Monchengladbach U21s postponed

Crystal Palace U21 v Borussia Mönchengladbach U21 (2026-01-21)

Our Young Eagles Preview Mönchengladbach

Ahead of the must-win clash, Jackson Izquierdo, Kai-Reece Adams Collman and Rylan Brownlie shared their thoughts on the challenge posed by the German side, the unique nature of the competition, and the importance of backing from the stands and at home.

[**Tickets for the game are available here**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/869?position=1)**.**

*The match will be streamed live on Palace TV+ on Wednesday evening (19th January, 19:00 GMT) – [**click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)*

*Can’t watch live? Follow live commentary on our **Academy X (Twitter) page**, with a full match report and reaction available shortly after full-time in our **Academy news section**.*

***Highlights*** *will also be available on [**Palace TV+**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/).*

BUY BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH TICKETS HERE

It’s going to be a tough, physical game

While knowledge of the opposition is limited, the players are fully aware of the different challenge Mönchengladbach will present. Kai-Reece Adams Collman expects a contest that will test Palace in unfamiliar ways.

“I know they’re a German side and that they’ll come with different challenges,” he said. “But I know we’ll be able to work it out on the pitch.”

Jackson Izquierdo highlighted the senior experience within the opposition ranks, with Mönchengladbach II competing in German men’s football.

“For a start, they’re German, so they’re going to know the dark arts,” he explained. “They’ve probably played in men’s leagues before, so it’s going to be a tough, physical game. But we’re a physical team as well.”

For Rylan Brownlie, the unknown only adds to the excitement.

“All I know is they’re a German side, so I’m expecting a hard-working team,” he said. “I don’t know too much about them, so I’m just excited to get going.”

It’s a different type of football and that’s what makes it exciting

The Premier League International Cup offers a markedly different experience to domestic football, something all three players have embraced. Adams Collman pointed to the contrasting tactical demands.

“You get to play international teams, which is always a good challenge,” he said. “English teams are often about transitions and counters, but international sides tend to be more possession-based. It’s a different type of football and that’s what makes it exciting.”

Izquierdo echoed those sentiments, noting the variety the competition brings.

“You’re playing foreign teams with completely different styles to English football,” he said. “We’ve already seen that in the group stages. We’ll do our prep and make sure we’re ready for whatever comes.”

Brownlie added that the element of uncertainty heightens the occasion.

“They’re unknown because they’re a foreign team,” he explained. “You don’t always know their shape or how they’ll set up, so it’s more exciting than anything.”

With so much riding on Wednesday’s clash, the players were unanimous on how important supporter backing will be – whether in the stands at Sutton or watching live on Palace TV+.

“I feel like it helps everyone,” Adams Collman said. “The more support we have, the better we’ll play.”

Izquierdo agreed: “It’s massive. We can see them when we’re playing and we know when they’re there. Any support really helps.”

Brownlie summed it up simply: “It just juices the boys. It gives you something extra to fight for – it’s massive.”

As Palace look to keep their Premier League International Cup campaign alive, the message from the dressing room is clear: the challenge is embraced, the occasion is relished, and the support could make all the difference.

### Match Details

**Crystal Palace U18s v Bradford City U18s**

- Friday, 5th December
- 18:00 GMT
- FA Youth Cup third round
- Selhurst Park
- [LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/)

### Ticket Information

- Adults: £5
- Senior (65+): £1
- Junior (under-18): £1
- Academy Founder Members: Free of Charge

Tickets are delivered **digitally** at the point of purchase and must be **downloaded** to an Apple or Google Wallet for entry – click [**HERE**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/943) to buy tickets.

Supporters who are unable to facilitate digital tickets should contact [**boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk**](mailto:boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk), where the team can provide a **PDF ticket alternative**.

Crystal Palace Under-21s face a defining Premier League International Cup test on Wednesday evening, as Borussia Mönchengladbach visit Sutton with qualification on the line. 

U21 trio preview must-win Borussia Monchengladbach clash

### Eagle-Eyed Review

Darren Powell’s side didn’t get 2026 off to the start they would have wanted, falling to a 4-1 defeat away to Chelsea in Premier League 2. However, attention now turns firmly to the Premier League International Cup, where Palace have the opportunity to extend their European journey.

Palace currently sit fourth in Group B on six points, with one game remaining against group leaders Borussia Mönchengladbach, who sit on nine points. 

With Nordsjælland, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City and Juventus all unable to qualify for the quarter-finals, it is now a three-horse race between Mönchengladbach, Valencia and Palace – with goal difference likely to prove decisive.

Palace opened their International Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Valencia, before responding superbly with a statement 3-1 victory over Italian giants Juventus.

Powell’s side were electric in that contest, racing into a commanding first-half lead. Adler Nascimento broke the deadlock after 11 minutes with a cushioned volley from a tight angle, before Seb Williams doubled the advantage with a crisp half-volley into the near corner. Benji Casey capped off a dominant opening period with his first goal for at U21 level.

Although Juventus pulled one back late on, Palace held their nerve – helped by a brilliant goal-line block from George King – to secure a deserved win.

That momentum continued with a thrilling 3-2 victory over FC Nordsjælland. Dylan Reid opened the scoring with a stunning follow-up after his free-kick was blocked, before Casey doubled the lead by lifting the ball over the goalkeeper in a one-on-one. Reid added a third from the penalty spot midway through the second half, and despite late pressure from the Danish side, the young Eagles saw the game out to keep qualification hopes alive.

### Borussia Mönchengladbach – The Opposition

Like Juventus, Borussia Mönchengladbach do not operate a traditional U21s side. Instead, their reserve team – Borussia Mönchengladbach II – competes in senior football against semi-professional and fully professional opposition.

Gladbach II currently compete in the Regionalliga West, the fourth tier of German football. The league represents the first step of senior football below the national divisions, with teams split regionally.

Mönchengladbach have a long-standing reputation for developing young talent. Nicknamed *Die Fohlen* (The Foals) for their youthful and energetic style, the club built sustained success in the 1970s by developing homegrown players, winning the Bundesliga five times during that decade.

That philosophy continues today, with their reserve side acting as a bridge between academy football and the Bundesliga. World-class players such as Lothar Matthäus and Marc-André ter Stegen emerged from the club’s system.

This season, Gladbach II sit sixth in the Regionalliga West, level on 32 points with Borussia Dortmund II, and arrive in good form.

In the Premier League International Cup, they have impressed – edging past both West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City by 3-2 scorelines before recording a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham.

### Premier League International Cup Explained…

First introduced in the 2014/15 season, the Premier League International Cup was designed to give Premier League academies valuable experience against elite international opposition.

The competition features the top 16 finishers from Premier League 2 alongside 16 invited international academy sides. Teams are split into four groups of eight, each containing four PL2 clubs and four international teams.

Each side plays four group-stage fixtures, with PL2 clubs hosting international opponents. The top two teams from each group progress to the quarter-finals.

### The Permutations

Every side in Group B has completed their four matches except Palace and Borussia Mönchengladbach, meaning Wednesday night will decide the final qualification picture under the lights in Sutton.

Gladbach currently sit on nine points with a goal difference of +4 (8:4), level on points with Valencia, who also have nine points but a slightly inferior goal difference of +3 (8:5). Palace enter the final round on seven points with a goal difference of +2 (6:4).

Darren Powell’s side know that only a victory over Mönchengladbach will give them a chance of reaching the knockout stages. A draw or defeat would see Palace eliminated.

With all three sides potentially able to finish level on nine points, goal difference is likely to be decisive. A win by two goals or more would place Palace in a strong position to secure qualification, while a narrower victory would leave the young Eagles reliant on goal difference and other tie-breakers.

### Likely Line-Up

**Borussia Mönchengladbach expected XI:** Trippel, Uwakhonye, Meiser, Lieder, Berko, Fleck, Stange, Vidic, Adozi, Güner, Michaelis.

### Team News

Mönchengladbach’s starting XI has been relatively settled in recent weeks, though Danfa and Dasbach could feature ahead of Adozi and Güner depending on selection.

### Pre-Match Analysis

Mönchengladbach arrive in south London top of Group B with a 100% record, having won all three of their International Cup fixtures to date. They have scored eight goals – joint-most in the group – and boast one of the strongest attacking returns in the competition.

Domestically, Gladbach II have also found consistency, winning three of their last five Regionalliga West matches, including back-to-back victories over Bocholt and Bochum.

### Key Players – Jan Urbich & Fritz Fleck

Jan Urbich has enjoyed a prolific season since joining the Gladbach U23s for the 2025/26 campaign. He made a remarkable start in the Regionalliga West, scoring 11 goals in his first eight matches, earning a call-up to the Bundesliga squad under then-caretaker head coach Eugen Polanski, who handed him his senior debut.

Fritz Fleck joined Gladbach from Borussia Dortmund’s U19s ahead of the 2024/25 season and impressed immediately. He scored nine goals and registered four assists in the DFB Youth League and has continued that form at senior level. Despite being eligible for the U19s, Fleck has featured regularly for Gladbach II and has already scored three goals in the Premier League International Cup this season.

### The Gaffer – Sascha Eickel

Sascha Eickel began his managerial career at SC Neheim before moving into academy football with Paderborn and later Borussia Dortmund, where he coached both the U17 and U19 sides.

After nine years at Eintracht Braunschweig – progressing from youth coach to assistant manager – Eickel joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2019 as U19 manager. The 50-year-old currently oversees both the U19s and U23s and will be on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign. This comes after Eugen Polanski earned promotion as first-team manager.

### How to follow

The match will be streamed live on Palace TV+ on Wednesday evening (19th January, 19:00 GMT) – [**click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)

Can’t watch live? Follow live commentary on our **Academy X (Twitter) page**, with a full match report and reaction available shortly after full-time in our **Academy news section**.

**Highlights** will also be available on [**Palace TV+**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/).

### Match Details

**Crystal Palace Under-21s v Borussia Monchengladbach Under-21s**

- Wednesday, 21st January
- 19:00 GMT
- VBS Community Stadium
- Premier League International Cup
- Watch LIVE on [Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/)
- [Buy tickets here](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/869?position=1)

Crystal Palace Under-21s face German side Borussia Mönchengladbach in our final, must-win Premier League International Cup group-stage fixture on Wednesday (21st January, 19:00 GMT) at Sutton’s VBS Community Stadium – get the full lowdown below.

U21s preview: Young Eagles' must-win match vs Borussia Mönchengladbach

*The match will be streamed live on Palace TV+ on Wednesday evening (19th January, 19:00 GMT) – [**click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)*

*Can’t watch live? Follow live commentary on our **Academy X (Twitter) page**, with a full match report and reaction available shortly after full-time in our **Academy news section**.*

***Highlights*** *will also be available on [**Palace TV+**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/).*

Palace’s European ambitions extend beyond the first team this season, with the Under-21s testing themselves against elite opposition from across the continent in the Premier League International Cup. With Group B reaching its conclusion, Wednesday’s fixture will determine the young Eagles’ fate in the competition.

Every side in the group has completed their four matches except Palace and Mönchengladbach, meaning the final qualification picture will be decided under the lights in Sutton.

Valencia currently sit on nine points from four games, while Gladbach also have nine points but with one match still to play.

Darren Powell’s side know that only a victory will give them a chance of progressing to the knockout stages, with goal difference likely to play a decisive role. Anything less than a win would bring Palace’s International Cup journey to an end, and a victory by two goals or more would significantly boost their qualification hopes.

Palace opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Valencia, before responding superbly with a statement 3-1 victory over Juventus.

Powell’s side were electric in that contest, racing into a commanding first-half lead. Adler Nascimento broke the deadlock after 11 minutes with a cushioned volley from a tight angle, Seb Williams doubled the advantage with a crisp half-volley into the near corner, and Benji Casey capped off a dominant opening period with his first goal for the club.

Although Juventus pulled one back late on, Palace held their nerve – helped by a brilliant goal-line block from George King – to secure a deserved win.

The young Eagles then followed that up with a thrilling 3-2 victory over FC Nordsjælland to keep qualification hopes alive.

Dylan Reid opened the scoring with a stunning follow-up after his free-kick was blocked, before Casey doubled the lead by lifting the ball over the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation. Reid added a third from the penalty spot midway through the second half.

Despite late goals from the Danish side, including a stoppage-time strike from Hjalte Rasmussen, Palace showed resilience to see out the win.

As mentioned above, Mönchengladbach arrive in south London top of Group B, level on nine points with Valencia but still with their final fixture to play. The German side have edged past both West Brom and Leicester City by 3-2 scorelines, before recording a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham.

Wednesday’s meeting brings the curtain down on Palace’s group-stage campaign – but, with the right result, not their journey in the competition.

### Match Details 

**Crystal Palace Under-21s v Borussia Monchengladbach Under-21s**

- Wednesday, 21st January
- 19:00 GMT
- VBS Community Stadium 
- Premier League International Cup
- Watch LIVE on [Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/)
- [Buy tickets here](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/869?position=1)

### Ticket Prices:

- Adults: £5
- Over 65s: £1
- Under 18s: £1
- Academy Founder Members: Free (1 per AFM)
- Personal Assistant: Free (must be booked with ambulant supporter)

Tickets can also be purchased by [**clicking here**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/866) and will be issued at the point of sale as **PDF print-at-home tickets.**

Crystal Palace Under-21s face German side Borussia Mönchengladbach in a must-win Premier League International Cup clash on Wednesday (21st January, 19:00 GMT) at Sutton’s VBS Community Stadium.

Premier League International CupVBS Community Stadium

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