Sam Allardyce got his first win with Crystal Palace in the midweek’s clash against Bolton. After their heavy defeat against West Ham United last week, it was massively needed. Their next fixture in the league, however, isn’t an easy one as they host Everton, who have got back their flair lately.
Everton haven’t lost to Palace at Selhurst Park since October 1994 and the Eagles definitely go into the match as the underdogs.
Defence
Allardyce is expected to start with four at the back against Everton. The Toffees are high on confidence after their brilliant display against Manchester City last week and the Eagles will have to defend diligently to stop them.
We expect Wayne Hennessey to start against Everton. The Wales shot-stopper was a given rest in the FA Cup 3rd clash with Bolton in the midweek and will take his place his place under the bar invigorated from his horrible match against West Ham last week.
Allardyce is finally expected to start with Jefferey Schlupp against Everton. Zeki Fryers started there in the FA Cup clash and should give way to the latest recruit. The centre-halves could well be Damien Delaney and James Tomkins. Allardyce didn’t risk Tomkins against Bolton although he was kept on the bench as a backup option.
The right defensive flank is expected to be taken by Joel Ward. Both the right-backs, Martin Kelly and Joel Ward, started in the must-win game against Bolton, and with Tomkins coming in, Kelly is expected to stay on the bench.
Midfield
Allardyce is expected to stick with a two-man midfield this time and with James McArthur being a doubt with a calf injury, we expect the boss to stick with Mathieu Flamini and Joe Ledley in the anchor position of the field.
Jason Puncheon is expected to start the game from the left flank after starting the FA Cup fixture from the bench. Andros Townsend should start on the right wing. One of the most important players in the Palace squad, Allardyce is unlikely to rest him in a crucial match.
With Yohan Cabaye taking on the playmaker’s role in the absence of McArthur, we expect Lee to start the game from the bench, who started the midweek fixture against Bolton.
Attack
Loic Remy’s frustrating season continued as he failed to score against Bolton before being substituted by Christian Benteke in the 60th minute of the game. The Belgian came off the bench to get a brace and take Palace to the fourth round. He is the best Allardyce has up front and he’s expected to start against Everton.
Hennessey
Ward – Tomkins – Delaney – Schlupp
Ledley – Flamini
Puncheon – Cabaye – Townsend
Benteke
