End Of Era: Mateta Braced For Summer Move
Crystal Palace star man Jean-Phillipe Mateta could have played his final game for the London side in their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea as a summer switch becomes a real possibility. Crystal Palace have came to realisation they may need to lower their asking price for Mateta to just £30million this summer with the striker now entering his final year at Selhurst Park which Palace may be forced into reducing the price tag to ensure he doesn’t depart for nothing. The Selhurst Park outfit already secured a replacement in the January window with Strand Larsen joining from relegation bound side Wolves as Manchester United are keeping tabs on the France International although Mateta is eyeing up a world cup spot on the plane with France although surgery may be required meaning a seat on the plane looks doubtful. Palace boss Oliver Glasner has issued an update which states his knee injury “not as bad as feared” which boosts a chance of a world cup call-up. Mateta hasn’t featured in a few weeks after picking up a knee injury against Chelsea which blocked a move to AC Milan in January for the 28-year-old after failing a medical in Italy. “I’m 100% convinced that JP will give his best when he wears the Eagles shirt again, and I think then he deserves the best support,” said the Palace boss. “I’m pretty sure our fans will support him in the best way, appreciating what he has done for Crystal Palace. “As long as a player is here, as long as a manager is here, as long as a staff member is here, then everybody can expect being 100% committed to Crystal Palace, and that is what JP (Jean-Phillipe Mateta) will show.” Mateta has spent six-years at Selhurst Park making 186 appearances in red and blue, netting 56 goals for Palace as a move away looks close.
Derbies, Clean Sheets, and Wonderkids: SPFL Breakdown Round 26
With key games at the top and the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, these are the main things to watch out for across the latest round fixtures. Game of the Round – Motherwell v Rangers The focus may be on Tynecastle for the third Edinburgh Derby of the season, but Wednesday’s showdown between Motherwell and Rangers is an equally enticing prospect. Jens Berthel Askou has transformed the Steelmen this campaign, and their outstanding home form has been central to that resurgence. With just one defeat at Fir Park, eight consecutive home clean sheets, and only five goals conceded on their own ground, it’s clear why Danny Rohl’s Rangers must approach this fixture with caution. Rangers, alongside Hearts and Celtic, have shaped much of the title conversation this season. While Motherwell may struggle to keep pace with the top three over the long haul, Askou’s revitalised side remain difficult to dismiss. Rohl’s men arrive in formidable form, unbeaten in eight league matches and buoyed by 13 goals across their last two outings. The contrast between the current Rangers side and the one that laboured to a 1–1 draw at Fir Park under Russell Martin in August highlights the significant impact the German has made at Ibrox. Whether Motherwell can extend their remarkable home run, or Rangers continue their push toward the top of the Premiership, Wednesday night promises a gripping encounter. Team Spotlight – Hearts Derek McInnes’ side may have stumbled to a disappointing 1–0 defeat in Paisley last Tuesday, but derbies are often the perfect platform to reset and respond. With a table-topping showdown against Rangers looming on Sunday, McInnes will be desperate for his players to maintain their slender three‑point lead at the summit by overcoming their bitter Edinburgh rivals. Questions remain, however, over the Gorgie side’s discipline and depth. Hearts have received a red card in three of their last four matches, and they will once again be without key figures: Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, and the suspended Craig Halkett. Yet McInnes has instilled remarkable resilience in this group. They have led the title race for more than four months, remain unbeaten at home in the league, and have gone five matches without defeat against the Old Firm. Can they continue to channel this toughness once more on Tuesday, and keep their title push firmly on track ahead of a pivotal week? Player to Watch – Cameron Congreve The Dundee winger has repeatedly injected life into his side this season, contributing six assists and posing a constant threat, most recently during their gut‑wrenching League Cup defeat at Parkhead. Despite sitting 10th, Steven Pressley’s men have grown steadily in confidence, and with a game in hand over the two sides below them, their prospects of survival remain strong. As the campaign enters its decisive phase, the Swansea loanee is set to play a crucial role in Dundee’s fortunes. With key fixtures against Falkirk, Aberdeen, and Livingston on the horizon, his attacking influence will be pivotal in navigating the remaining five months of the season.
