How often do you see Southampton conceding three goals? Very rare right? But, Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace thrashed the Saints 3-0 last week in the Premier League. Pardew has always been a manager who could never manage to bring any kind of consistency to their game. Before their big win against the Saints last week, the Eagles lost five straight Premier League games and looked destined to drop into the relegation scrap.
This is not the first time Crystal Palace have experienced such inconsistency under Pardew and the patience of the owners is really admirable. But, the fans will still not be too confident about beating struggling Hull City on Saturday! Hull have found life hard back in the Premier League and look destined to drop back into the Championship again and the Crystal Palace fans will hope that they can get the better of Mike Phelan’s side on Saturday.
Both sides have won just one of their last six fixtures in all competitions. Here is the predicted Crystal Palace lineup against Hull City.
Defence
With first-choice keeper Steven Mandanda out with a knee injury, Welsh international custodian Wayne Hennessey will start under the bar. James Tomkins is likely to continue at right-back meaning that Joel Ward will play on the left of the back four. Skipper Scott Dann will start at the heart of Palace defence alongside veteran Irishman Damien Delaney.
Midfield
Even though Crystal Palace have been pretty inconsistent this season, James McArthur has managed to impress on a consistent basis. The Scot will start at the base of the three-man midfield. His key job will be to protect his back four but on his occasional forward bursts, he is a danger too.
Welshman Joe Ledley will keep his place in midfield and will try to make his presence felt with his physique and passing. Yohan Cabaye is back from suspension but is likely to sit on the bench as Jason Puncheon had a good game against Southampton last week and Pardew won’t want to change his winning formula.
Attack
Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend are certain starters on the two flanks and will be looking to create chances for the number nine Christian Benteke who has been impressive since his big-money move to Selhurst Park from Liverpool.
The big Belgian has scored three goals and set up one more in the last two games and will be looking to get on the scoresheet again.
