Following the up and down last season Crystal Palace had, a home game against West Brom to start the season with looked like a perfect opportunity to right his wrongs. But the Eagles failed to take advantage of the easy fixture and lost 1-0 to the Baggies. Now the South London club face a trip to North London to face might Tottenham Hotspur who will be keen to get their first win of the season. The Lilywhites started their season with a 1-1 draw against Everton and will be looking to bounce back.
It is as clear as daylight that Crystal Palace still need plenty of bolstering to their squad. Pardew has to address the problem as quickly as possible or else miseries could be awaiting the Eagles this campaign. The first thing Pardew has to address is to put an end to the ongoing striker conundrum at the club. Connor Wickham is badly craving for an upgrade and with the big sale of Bolasie, Palace do have the funds as well. We are struggling to see why Pardew is still hesitating to splash the cash.
Here is the predicted Crystal Palace lineup against Spurs.
Defence
Despite the arrival of French international Steve Mandanda, Welsh international Wayne Hennessey started against West Brom last week and is likely to keep his place between the sticks. Newly assigned Crystal Palace skipper Scott Dann is an obvious choice at the heart of the defence. Damien Delaney will partner the Englishman as summer signing James Tomkins is yet to make his comeback from a muscle injury. Joel Ward and Pape Souare will start in the two full-back positions.
Midfield
Former Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak left the club for Championship side Aston Villa. With the Aussie international’s departure, Joe Ledley is likely to start in the middle of the park as James McArthur is slightly doubtful for the game. Yohan Cabaye was on the bench against West Brom last week and could not change the fortunes of the Eagles after coming on. The French maestro will start alongside Ledley in midfield.
Jason Puncheon started as a deep-lying midfielder last week and with Cabaye back to the starting XI, the Englishman is likely to be pushed in an advanced number ten role. Andros Townsend and Wilfred Zaha will start on the two flanks.
Attack
Crystal Palace have been linked with plenty of strikers over the summer transfer window but failed to land either of them. Connor Wickham is the best striker the Eagles have right now and the 23-year-old will start as the number nine.
