Two games, two defeats; both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth’s are in a similar scenario and will be desperate for a win when they collide against each other on Saturday at Selhurst Park. Hosts Crystal Palace started their season with a 0-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion at home and then a 1-0 loss away from home against Spurs awaited the south Londoners.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, started their season with a 3-1 defeat against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United and then lost 1-0 to West Ham United. The Cherries clearly had to face more difficult fixtures so far when compared to Crystal Palace and will be looking to open their account when they head to Selhurst Park this weekend. The Cherries are unbeaten in their previous four meetings against Palace and took a win and draw off them last season.
Both sides managed to salvage victories in the midweek in the second round of the League Cup as Crystal Palace saw off Blackpool and Bournemouth defeated Morecambe. Here is the predicted Crystal Palace lineup against Bournemouth.
Defence
Steve Mandanda looked quite assured under the bar in the League Cup against Blackpool. It was a major surprise when Pardew started Wayne Hennessey ahead of the highly experienced Frenchman in the first two League games but after impressing against Blackpool in the League Cup, we can expect Mandanda to replace Hennessey between the sticks. Damien Delaney is doubtful for the game meaning that James Tomkins will get his first Premier League start in a Crystal Palace shirt alongside Scott Dann. Joel Ward and Pape Souare are likely to start in the two full-back positions.
Midfield
James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye are likely to be the central midfield pairing for Crystal Palace. None of the two midfielders started the first two League games as they both were lacking match fitness. Now that the duo is looking sharp, they should start in a two-man midfield. Jason Puncheon is likely to start as the number ten. Andros Townsend is likely to start on the right flank. With new signing Christian Benteke on board, Connor Wickham is likely to start in an unfamiliar left winger role.
Attack
Crystal Palace broke the bank to bring Christian Benteke to Selhurst Park from Liverpool and their club record signing will spearhead the attack against Bournemouth.
