Crystal Palace remains rock bottom of the Premier League table and plays host to Everton this weekend. After 11 matches, the Eagles have just scored four and shipped in a mammoth 22 goals at the back. They have struggled this season, to say the least, but recent signs have been promising.
Their only victory came against Premier League champions, Chelsea and with some of their key players returning to fitness, Roy Hodgson’s men will be confident about their chances against the Toffees this weekend.
Let’s take a look at the three players that can help the Eagles snatch a season-defining victory against Everton this Saturday.
Wilfried Zaha
The speedster returned from injury against Chelsea last month and his man of the match display helped his side secure their first win of the season. His goal turned out to be a winning one and it is no secret that the Eagles are now over-reliant on his ability to lead the attack.
Zaha also impressed against West Ham United, coming up with a goal in a high scoring stalemate. So if Crystal Palace are to cause an upset against fellow Premier League under-performers, Everton, then we can expect the Englishman to be at the centre of it.
Mamadou Sakho
The French defender may have been deemed surplus to requirements at Liverpool but his effort and commitment to Crystal Palace have been second to none.
While on loan at the Eagles last season, his performances were incredible which helped Palace survive the drop. The Eagles will be hoping for more of the same after the nightmare start to this season.
If Sakho can stop the likes of Oumar Niasse and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, then Crystal Palace would have a great chance of keeping a clean sheet. With most of the Everton attackers struggling to find form, it is anticipated that Sakho can put in a monstrous performance in defence and be a threat in the attack third during set-pieces.
Yohan Cabaye
Usually, when two sides are struggling to find form and go head to head with each other, the midfield that rises to the occasion eventually ends up winning the match.
So a lot will rest on the shoulders of Premier League stalwart, Yohan Cabaye. If he can have a good game, make the right passes and shield his defence at the back; then the Eagles will have a great opportunity to snatch all three points.
It’s a must-win game for both sides at this crucial juncture of this season. Going into the winter break, a victory can kick-start their campaign but a loss can be equally detrimental.
