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Oliver Glasner ponders awarding Caleb Kporha his first Crystal Palace start

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner _(Image: PA)_

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is weighing up his options at right-wing back following [Daniel Munoz's suspension.](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/24802186.oliver-glasner-tries-find-positives-daniel-munozs-ban/)

The Eagles will be without the Colombian for their next two matches, with Munoz having a competition-specific one-match ban in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup. 

Should Crystal Palace stick to their five-at-the-back shape, which has helped them to just one loss in their last nine games, it will be a straight shoot-out between academy wing-back Caleb Kporha and Nathaniel Clyne. 

Earlier this season, Glasner handed Kporha his professional debut when the teenager was introduced as a late substitute against Fulham. 

On the other hand, Clyne has featured 18 times under Glasner but has been preferred as a makeshift centre-back rather than a wing-back. 

With Kporha hoping to be given the nod for his first start in red and blue, Glasner explained his selection conundrum ahead of Wednesday's cup quarter-final against Arsenal.

"If we stay in the same shape, it is a decision between Caleb and Clyne. It’s an 18-year-old versus a 34-year-old, a lot of experience against no experience.

"We don’t have any other options at wing-back, but we can also play in a back four. We have Ismaila Sarr there as a winger. We can bring another player into the pocket.

"There are several options; we have several things in our minds. We were watching Arsenal in detail yesterday – let's see tomorrow. 

"What I really like in this group is that everyone supports each other. Nobody is jealous if another player plays in their position. We always support each other. 

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"Caleb didn’t play many minutes in the last weeks or months. Clyney hasn’t played many minutes in the last weeks or months.

"We now have two games against Arsenal in three days. I don’t expect either of them to play both games or the whole time.

"It’s about who starts and who ends the game. Maybe we switch for the next game. I’ve had a busy few days, so I take some time to make my final decision.

"We will have a good rest in the evening and hopefully a good night's sleep. I will tell the players the team tomorrow."

Crystal Palace travel to the Emirates on Wednesday, hoping to reach the semi-final of the Carabao Cup for the first time in twelve years.

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