Crystal Palace will travel to King Power Stadium on Saturday to take on Premier League holders Leicester City. From the kind of form Leicester City have shown this campaign in the Premier League, it looks like they are going to set up the instance of the worst possible title defence in recent history. The Foxes managed to maintain their 100% winning record in the Champions League, though, with a 1-0 win over Danish powerhouse FC Copenhagen this midweek. Sitting 13th with eight points from eight games, Leicester City badly need to revive their form in the Premier League and they have to do it really soon.
Crystal Palace’s five-game unbeaten streak in the League came to an end with a 0-1 loss to West Ham United last weekend. Alan Pardew’s boys have looked impressive this campaign with their summer arrivals Benteke, Tomkins, Townsend, Mandanda clicking. The Eagles will be keen to bounce back to winning ways by adding further woes to struggling Leicester City. Here is the predicted Crystal Palace line-up against Leicester City.
Defence
Steve Mandanda will start between the sticks ahead of Welsh international Wayne Hennessey. Joel Ward is likely to continue in the right-back position. Crystal Palace’s best defender and club captain Scott Dann is not 100% fit for the game and Pardew is unlikely to risk him to the starting XI. Therefore, we expect to see the unchanged centre-back pair of James Tomkins and Damien Delaney. Martin Kelly should get a start in the left-back position with first-choice left-back Pape Souare on a long-term after hurting himself in a nasty car crash.
Midfield
James McArthur is likely to continue in defensive midfield where he has done really well this season impressing both with his defensive and attacking abilities. Joe Ledley has been impressive this season as well and is likely to keep his place in the middle of the park. In-form Jason Puncheon will complete the midfield trio. Sadly, there is no place for Yohan Cabaye in the starting XI right now and the Frenchman has to wait for his chance.
Attack
Christian Benteke has rediscovered his form at Crystal Palace this summer after his big-money move from Liverpool this summer. The Belgian missed a penalty against West Ham last week as his side lost to the Hammers and will be looking to right his wrongs when he starts up front for the Eagles. Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend should start on the flanks providing width and creativity.
