Crystal Palace were in a sense quite fortunate to get their match against Tottenham Hotspur postponed last week owing to Lilywhites’ FA Cup commitments. The Eagles are currently experiencing an extremely rare winning run this season and Spurs, who were clear favourites to win, might have broken the streak.
Eagles are coming on the back of two consecutive wins against West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough, a feat they achieved back in September right at the start of the season; when under Pardew, the Eagles won three games back to back against Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Sunderland. Sam Allardyce would be happy to keep his side’s confidence intact going into this game.
Palace will be hosting Watford this week, who too had their last week’s game against Chelsea postponed owing to the FA Cup. Though Palace have lost their last two home games against the Hornets, they have found scoring quite easy when facing them. The Eagles have scored in each of their last 13 games against them in all competitions and have a whopping 43 wins over Watford in the Premier League.
Watford’s away record hasn’t been good either as they have collected just 12 points from 13 games.
Strongest Crystal Palace XI vs Watford
Defence
Wayne Hennessey is likely to continue his place under the bar this time. Palace’s first choice shot-stopper, Steven Mandanda, has returned to training just at the right time and Allardyce is expected to give him time before throwing him into the nervy end to the season.
Patrick van Aanholt’s injury will definitely be a big blow for the Eagles as the Dutch player was a key part of Allardyce’s grand relegation escape plan. He was just getting back his scoring form when he incurred an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for this month at least. Jefferey Schlupp will take his place there. Joel Ward will take his position on the right-flank.
The central defensive duo of Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins has been praised by many of late and the Liverpool loanee is expected to play an important role in Palace’s current campaign.
Midfield
Having someone like Luka Milivojevic has given Allardyce the confidence to put more players in the attack. The 25-year-old Serbian international has been brilliant for Palace since joining and acts as the smooth transition from their defence to attack.
Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon have a more advanced role now and they look quite comfortable in it. Cabaye even got an assist last game.
Attack
The flanks will be taken by Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend. After a lot of experimentation, the duo seems to have found their flair on the wings. Christian Benteke will start up front.
