Midfield
Phelan is a man who believes in experimenting with combinations as is evident from the last few occasions. However, the four-man midfield seems to have the perfect balance of defensive and offensive elements.
The flanks are expected to be taken by Robert Snodgrass and Sam Clucas as Phelan doesn’t have a better option in those positions. While Snodgrass has been a lively performer for Hull so far, Clucas has been quite ineffective where creating chances is concerned.
The central midfielders will be Jake Livermore and Ryan Mason. Phelan will hope his midfield to click this time as well and cut out the supply to Benteke who is Palace’s man in form.
Attack
Phelan hugely missed his Congolese forward Mbokani against Middlesbrough as the Congolese striker served a one-match suspension. Diomande had to start as the centre forward and things didn’t go as planned.
However, Mbokani will now be returning while the huge injury boost will be of Abel Hernandez, who could be available for selection. If he makes it in time, he could be given a few minutes off the bench. Henriksen should start in the number 10 position.
