Leeds United vs Crystal Palace F.C. Standings: Historical Analysis and Stats

In the current 2025–26 Premier League season, the standings for Leeds United and Crystal Palace reflect a mid-table battle for stability, with Crystal Palace currently sitting in 13th place with 28 points, while Leeds United occupies 16th place with 25 points as of January 2026. The most recent meeting between the two clubs took place on December 20, 2025, at Elland Road, where Leeds United secured a dominant 4-1 victory behind a brace from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.¹ This article provides a comprehensive deep dive into the historical standings, head-to-head records, and tactical evolutions that have defined this long-standing English football rivalry.

Throughout their shared history, these two clubs have frequently traded places across the top two tiers of English football.² Leeds United holds the overall edge in the historical head-to-head record with 32 wins to Crystal Palace’s 20, alongside 17 draws.³ Whether competing for survival in the Premier League or battling for promotion in the Championship, the matches between the “Whites” and the “Eagles” are characterized by high intensity and passionate fanbases.

2025–26 Premier League Standings Overview

The ongoing campaign has seen both teams experience significant fluctuations in form, resulting in their current positions in the bottom half of the table. Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, started the season strongly but has recently faced a slump, including a run of nine games without a win that has seen them drop to 13th place.⁴

Leeds United, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, is navigating its first season back in the top flight following promotion.⁵ Their current 16th-place standing is buoyed by crucial home wins, specifically the 4-1 thrashing of Palace in December, which provided a much-needed three-point cushion above the relegation zone.⁶

Historical Head-to-Head Statistics

Leeds United and Crystal Palace first faced off during the 1921–22 Second Division campaign, beginning a rivalry that has spanned over 104 years.⁷ In the 69 competitive meetings between the two sides, Leeds has traditionally been the more dominant force, particularly when playing at Elland Road.⁸

Statistically, Leeds has maintained a strong record against Palace, losing only four of their last 15 meetings across all competitions.⁹ However, the Eagles have had their moments of brilliance, such as the 5-1 victory at Elland Road in April 2023, which remains their largest-ever away win against the Yorkshire side.¹⁰

Memorable Premier League Encounters

One of the most significant recent matches occurred in the 2022–23 season when Crystal Palace completed a league double over Leeds.¹¹ This sequence of results was pivotal in the season’s final standings, contributing to Leeds United’s eventual relegation to the Championship before their recent return.

Conversely, the 2020–21 season saw Leeds win both fixtures against Palace, including a 2-0 win at home and a 4-1 victory that showcased the high-pressing style of then-manager Marcelo Bielsa. These matches often serve as “six-pointers,” where the result directly impacts the safety and trajectory of both clubs in the Premier League standings.

Elland Road vs. Selhurst Park Dynamics

Venue plays a critical role in the outcomes of Leeds vs. Crystal Palace fixtures. Elland Road is renowned for its hostile atmosphere, which has helped Leeds maintain an impressive home record where they have rarely been beaten in successive top-flight matches by the Eagles.¹²

Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace, offers a tighter, more compact environment that often favors Palace’s counter-attacking style. Standings are often influenced by “home-field” advantage in this specific matchup, with away wins being relatively rare for both sides over the last decade of competition.

Tactical Evolutions of Both Clubs

The tactical approach of Leeds United has shifted from the frantic “Bielsaball” era to a more structured, possession-based system under Daniel Farke. This change has impacted their standing by making them more resilient against lower-half teams, though they still struggle against the league’s elite attacking forces.

Crystal Palace has traditionally relied on pacey wingers and solid defensive structures, though under Oliver Glasner, they have attempted to implement a more progressive, high-intensity system. Recent transfer departures, such as the sale of Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze, have forced tactical adjustments that are currently reflected in their stagnant league position.

Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has become a focal point for Leeds in the 2025–26 season, with his goals directly contributing to their current standing.¹³ For Crystal Palace, the recent loss of captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City has left a void in the defense that the club is still struggling to fill.

Historically, players like Nigel Martyn have achieved legendary status at both clubs.¹⁴ Martyn’s performances in goal for Leeds during their Champions League years and his later success at Palace make him a unique figure in the shared history of these two Premier League staples.

Financial Impact on League Standings

The ability to invest in the transfer market significantly dictates the standings of mid-tier Premier League clubs. Leeds United’s recent promotion allowed for a significant squad overhaul, while Crystal Palace has faced criticism from its own management for failing to reinvest funds from major player sales.

Financial disparities often lead to “yo-yo” performance patterns in the standings. While Palace has enjoyed a long consecutive run in the Premier League, Leeds’ financial recovery and subsequent promotion have made them a competitive threat once again in the $2025$ landscape.

Academy Influence and Youth Integration

Both Leeds United and Crystal Palace boast prestigious academies that frequently produce first-team talent. The integration of youth players often provides the depth necessary to maintain a position in the mid-table during the grueling winter months of the Premier League schedule.

Players like Justin Devenny for Palace and Archie Gray (previously) for Leeds highlight the importance of home-grown talent. When injuries strike, the quality of the academy can be the difference between a top-half finish and a relegation scrap in the final standings.

Practical Information for Fans

How to Follow the Matches

Fans looking to track the Leeds vs. Palace standings can find live updates via the official Premier League app or club websites. Match tickets for Elland Road usually range from £35 to £60 for adults, while Selhurst Park tickets are similarly priced depending on the category of the game.

Transport and Travel

• Elland Road: Located in Leeds, accessible via the M621 or a shuttle bus from Leeds City Station.
• Selhurst Park: Located in South London, best reached via Thornton Heath or Selhurst railway stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the last match between Leeds and Crystal Palace?

Leeds United won the most recent match 4-1 on December 20, 2025, at Elland Road.15 Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice in the victory.16

What is the highest-ever scoreline in this fixture?

The highest scoreline occurred in the 1929–30 FA Cup, where Leeds United defeated Crystal Palace 8-1.17

How many times has Leeds United beaten Crystal Palace?

Leeds United has recorded 32 victories against Crystal Palace in 69 competitive meetings.18

Where do Leeds and Palace stand in the 2025-26 Premier League?

As of late January 2026, Crystal Palace is 13th and Leeds United is 16th in the Premier League table.

Who is the top scorer for Leeds United this season?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the current top scorer for Leeds United with 9 league goals.19

When is the next match between these two teams?

The return fixture is scheduled for March 14, 2026, at Selhurst Park.20

Has Crystal Palace ever won at Elland Road?

Yes, Crystal Palace’s most notable recent win at Elland Road was a 5-1 victory in April 2023.21

Who are some famous players who played for both clubs?

Notable players include goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, Dougie Freedman, Shaun Derry, and Eddie Nketiah.22

Which manager has the best record in this fixture?

Historically, Don Revie held a strong record for Leeds, while in the modern era, Roy Hodgson had significant success for Palace.

Is this considered a “derby” match?

No, it is not a local derby, as Leeds is in West Yorkshire and Crystal Palace is in South London, but it is a competitive historical rivalry.

What are the average ticket prices for these games?

Standard adult tickets typically cost between £35 and £65 depending on the seating tier and membership status.

Final Thoughts

Leeds United and Crystal Palace serves as a fascinating micro-study of the competitive nature of the English Premier League’s middle tier. While Leeds United holds the historical upper hand with 32 wins to Palace’s 20, the modern era has leveled the playing field, creating a fixture where home dominance often dictates the final league standings. The 2025–26 season has reaffirmed this trend, with Leeds using their raucous home support at Elland Road to secure a season-defining 4-1 victory that has kept them clear of the immediate relegation conversation.

For Crystal Palace, maintaining a stable position in the top 13 remains the primary objective, though their recent struggles against newly promoted or returning sides like Leeds suggest a need for defensive reinforcement. As both clubs continue to navigate the financial and tactical complexities of top-flight football, their head-to-head encounters will remain high-stakes “six-pointers” that can make or break a season’s ambitions. Whether it is the tactical evolution of managers like Daniel Farke and Oliver Glasner or the individual brilliance of stars like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the story of these two clubs is one of resilience and the constant pursuit of a foothold in the world’s most competitive league.

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