Palace boss Sage welcomes 'Strand Larsen' problem
Pierre Sage described Jorgen Strand Larsen's midweek brace in the Carabao Cup as a "good problem" ahead of taking on Ipswich Town in the Premier League this weekend.
Strand Larsen impressed during Palace's 3-0 win over Middlesbrough in the third round, scoring twice as well as providing the assist for Daichi Kamada's stunning late finish.
The Norwegian has started two of Palace's four games across all competitions this season, with Sage alternating between Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah to lead his forward line.
It has been a difficult start to life at Palace for Strand Larsen, who has scored just six times during his 26 appearances in all competitions, but with Jean-Philippe Mateta out injured, Sage is welcoming the competition between his strikers.
"It's always a good problem when a player performs, and the others have to move them – because a coach always likes this. He always wants to have the better of the moment," he said.
"It's a good thing for the others, because they don't have to give up. They have to give their best too. Sometimes, this kind of situation has a good effect on every player.
"I think it's the same for every position. You spoke about the striker, but I think it's the same for every position.
"I think he will be able to start [against Ipswich], but we will see what happens, because Eddie Nketiah will be able to train [soon]."
Strand Larsen will be hoping to build on his midweek double against an Ipswich side who have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats on their return to the top-flight.
After beating Sunderland on the opening day, Ipswich have since lost to Manchester United and Liverpool, the latter thanks to Alexander Isak's quick-fire double.
Ipswich has already conceded eight goals in the Premier League this season, which is its most after three games of a league campaign since 1964-1965 (eight in the second tier).
But Issa Diop, who joined Gary O'Neil's side from Fulham this summer, believes there are positives for Ipswich to take ahead of its trip to Selhurst Park.
"It's even harder when it's against Liverpool and a top side like that," Diop said. "The good thing is the response after conceding the second goal was good.
"We stuck together; we reacted well. We could have done better in different ways. You can always do better when you concede goals, so we can work on it this week, and we will be ready to face Crystal Palace.
"We have a good group with good coaching staff, so I'm very happy here."
