Crystal Palace have recovered after a slow start to the season and are currently flying high under the stewardship of Alan Pardew. Pardew has had his fair share of detractors ever since leaving Newcastle United and the lofty expectations from him have subsided considerably over the years. But he has been backed to the hilt by the Palace board as is evident from the amount of money and effort put in deals for players like Cabaye and Benteke. But the Eagles are hungry for success and the fans hope that the team can carry on their decent form over the entire course of the season.
Palace are currently in the 8th position in the table and one notable thing this season has been their similar home and away form. Overreliance on their home form could have caused complications down the road in the event of a string of away games.
Alan Pardew will look to solidify his spot in the top half of the table and then plot their ascent from there. With players like Cabaye, Townsend, Benteke and Scott Dann in their ranks, a proper game-plan and execution can potentially help them challenge for the Top 6 this year.
With players like Loic Remy still to come into fold midway through the season, things are looking good for the Eagles down the road.
IDEAL CRYSTAL PALACE XI WHEN FULLY FIT (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Steve Mandanda is ahead of Wayne Hennessey in the pecking order and it seems he will be the 1st choice keeper for this season. Joel Ward is presently at right-back and in light of the recent accident of Papa Souare, Martin Kelly is filling up at left-back for the Eagles. With the team getting the results, Pardew will be more than happy to keep this arrangement. In the central defensive positions, James Tomkins and Scott Dann are looking to strike up a formidable partnership.
MIDFIELD
Yohan Cabaye hasn’t yet hit his strides this season but his quality is undeniable and he needs to play as much as possible. His partnership with the impressive James McArthur will be vital and Pardew also has depth in this region with the experienced Mathieu Flamini available as an option to the manager. Jason Puncheon will look to pull the strings from the No.10 slot behind the striker.
ATTACK
Wilfried Zaha lines up on the left-side in our eleven while Andros Townsend will bring his direct goal threat from the right-wing. Marquee signing Christian Benteke has gradually looked better and is fittingly their highest score now. He is the lone striker up front.
